Types of USB cable?

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Thread: Types of USB cable?

  1. #1
    Goldfish
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    Types of USB cable?

    I have 2 USB cables and they both look the same except there is a bulge (not sure what to call it) on one cable. What is it for?


  2. #2
    Great White Shark
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    It could be for anything but it looks like a circuit to change the voltage transferred through the cable. The automobile adapter for my portable GPS unit has a similar circuit to reduce the voltage from 12vdc to 5vdc.

    It could also be a ferrite device to reduce emissions from the cable.
    Last edited by ua549; 02-15-2008 at 05:36 PM.

  3. #3
    Goldfish
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    Its a band pass filter to keep out noise. Because of the frequencies involved, it blocks the cable from radiating interference to something like your tv.
    Last edited by MoonDragn; 02-15-2008 at 05:43 PM.

  4. #4
    Goldfish
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    Thanks! The reason I asked is that I want to connect my GPS, which uses a USB connection, to my notebook. Since it didn't come with a cable and I have 2 lying around, I wanted to know which one I should use since both are USB cables. Which do you think would be better?
    Last edited by Draser; 02-15-2008 at 06:00 PM.

  5. #5
    Great White Shark
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    What do the GPS specs say about the USP cable connection.

    The cable you showed converts the large connector to a small connector.

    What connector does the GPS require?

  6. #6
    Mako Shark wh666-666's Avatar
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    My garmin gps comes with a bulge like that .... If in doubt, use one of those cables ...
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  7. #7
    Goldfish
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    The manual for my Garmin didn't say anything about the specs for the USB cable, however, I can see that it uses a mini B connector. I think I'll use the one with the bulge since that was suggested.

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